Research article - (2024)23, 548 - 558
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52082/jssm.2024.548
Comparing The Effects of Compression Contrast Therapy and Dry Needling on Muscle Functionality, Pressure Pain Threshold, and Perfusion after Isometric Fatigue in Forearm Muscles of Combat Sports Athletes: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Adrian Kużdżał1, Filipe Manue Clemente2,3,4,, Adam Kawczyński2, Ireneusz Ryszkiel5, Robert Trybulski6,7
1Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszów, Poland
2Department of Biomechanics and Sport Engineering, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Poland
3Escola Superior Desporto e Lazer, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial de Nun’Álvares, Viana do Castelo, Portugal
4Sport Physical Activity and Health Research & Innovation Center, Viana do Castelo, Portugal
5Medical University of Silesia, College of Medical Sciences, Katowice Poland
6Medical Department Wojciech Korfanty, Upper Silesian Academy, Katowice, Poland
7Provita Żory Medical Center, Żory, Poland

Filipe Manue Clemente
✉ Ph.D. Sport Physical Activity and Health Research & Innovation Center, Viana do Castelo, Portugal
Email: filipe.clemente5@gmail.com
Received: 06-06-2024 -- Accepted: 01-07-2024
Published (online): 01-09-2024

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to compare the acute effects of compression contrast therapy (CT) and dry needling therapy (DN) on muscle tension (MT), muscle strength (Fmax), pressure pain threshold (PPT), and perfusion (PU) following fatigue of forearm muscles (e.g., flexor carpi radialis) in combat sports athletes. A single-blind randomized controlled trial was employed. Participants first underwent muscle fatigue induction, which involved sustaining an isometric handgrip at 60% of their maximum voluntary contraction in 5-second cycles. This was followed by exposure to one of the regenerative therapies. Forty-five participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: CT/DN (n = 15), CT/ShDN (n = 15), and ShCT/DN (n = 15). The sham condition (Sh) involved a simulated version of the technique. Measurements were taken at four time points: (i) at rest; (ii) immediately after exercise that led to a state of fatigue; (iii) 5 minutes after therapy (PostTh5min); and (iv) 24 hours after therapy (PostTh24h). Each participant was exposed to one experimental condition and one control condition, thereby undergoing evaluation in two sessions. Significant differences between groups were found in MT during the PostTh5min (p = 0.005), as well as in PU during the PostTh5min (p < 0.001) and PU during the PostTh24h (p < 0.001). All groups showed significant improvements at 5 minutes post-therapy compared to immediately post-muscle fatigue. As conclusions, CT/DN seems to be significantly better for enhancing MT and PU after 5 minutes of muscle fatigue induction. Using either CT, DN, or both combined is recommended to enhance the recovery of muscle functionality and properties, favoring recovery and potentially speeding up performance enhancement.

Key words: Martial arts, exercise recovery, athletic performance, muscle strength, physical therapy modalities, therapeutics

Key Points
  • CT and DN enhanced MT and PU 5 minutes after muscle fatigue induction compared to other interventions.
  • All groups showed comparable improvements in Fmax and PPT from 5 minutes up to 24 hours post-therapy.
  • CT and DN, used individually or together, enhanced muscle functionality recovery and mitigated exercise-induced fatigue.








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